The Toronto Blue Jays will welcome back All-Star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. during their series against the New York Yankees. Manager John Schneider told MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson that Guerrero will be activated from the 7-day concussion injured list.
They want to see how Andrés Giménez feels pre-game first before they decide on a counter move.
That means the Blue Jays will have to make a corresponding move to fit Guerrero on the active roster. The six-time All-Star traveled with the team to New York, indicating that he could return in the series.
Guerrero had been out since August 15. He took a knee to the head from Yankees shortstop George Lombard Jr. after a wild throw from first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. sailed past third base. While he came around to score on the errant throw, Guerrero left the game immediately afterward.
Since losing Guerrero to an injury against the Yankees in Toronto, the team has pieced together the first base position. Kazuma Okamoto, Brandon Valenzuela, and Charles McAdoo have each gotten starts at first base over the last six games.
The move could be tied to slick-fielding shortstop Andres Gimenez’s health. The 27-year-old will get a pregame workout to determine his viability for this game. The player who gets sent down may be determined by how well Gimenez responds.
Gimenez suffered a hamstring injury during the series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays. He was out of the lineup in the series opener against the Yankees, with Ernie Clement starting at shortstop.
Blue Jays Announce Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Decision During Yankees Series